What Is a Prototype in Product Design?

A prototype in product design is an early model of a product, typically created to demonstrate the concept or functionality of the product. Prototypes come in various shapes and sizes, from low-fidelity paper sketches to mid-fidelity wireframes and mockups to high-fidelity interactive prototypes. Each type of prototype has its own purpose and use in the product design process.

Low-fidelity prototypes are often used early on in the design process to quickly communicate ideas and concepts. These types of prototypes are usually created with paper sketches or simple wireframes and often involve little or no coding. They are typically used to explore different ideas, test out different user flows, and get feedback from stakeholders.

Mid-fidelity prototypes are usually more detailed than low-fidelity ones, but still involve limited coding or development. These prototypes often use mockup tools such as Adobe XD or Figma to create visuals that match the look and feel of the final product. Mockups can be used for testing out interactions such as animations, transitions, and user flows. They can also be used for usability testing with users to get feedback on specific features or designs.

High-fidelity prototypes are often the most detailed type of prototype, as they typically involve full coding and development efforts. This type of prototype is typically used for usability testing with users, as it allows them to interact with a realistic version of the product that closely mimics the final version. High-fidelity prototypes can also be used for demoing a product concept or feature to stakeholders.

In conclusion, a prototype in product design is an important step in bringing a concept or idea to life. It allows teams to quickly explore different ideas, test out user flows, get feedback from users and stakeholders, and ultimately bring their products closer to completion.

What Is a Prototype in Product Design?

A prototype in product design is an early model of a product created to demonstrate its concept or functionality. It is most commonly used at various stages throughout the design process—from low-fidelity sketches at initial stages through mid- fidelity mockups for testing interactions to high- fidelity interactive prototypes for usability testing—allowing teams to explore ideas, test user flows, gather feedback from stakeholders, and ultimately bring their products closer to completion.